iPhone 5 sends iOS back to the top in the US

November 28th, 2012

The success of the iPhone 5 has helped iOS to retake the number one spot for smartphone sales in the US from Android, according to new figures from Kantar.

iOS devices had a 48.1% share of US smartphone sales over the 12 weeks to October 28, Kantar reports, just ahead of Android with 46.7%. In Europe, however, Android continues to dominate, with a 63.9% share in the top five EU markets compared to iOS’ 21.2%.

This difference is particularly marked in Germany, where Android had a 73.9% share, and Spain, where Android had 81.7%. In the UK, Android had a 54.2% market share, with iOS on 32.7%.

Dominic Sunnebo, global consumer insight director at Kantar Worldpanel ComTech, predicted that iOS will continue to dominate the US market for some time.

“The last time we saw iOS overtake Android in the US was when the iPhone 4S was released and Apple managed to retain its lead for three consecutive periods. This time we predict that Apple will beat its previous high of 49.3% and achieve its highest ever share of the US smartphone market within the next two periods.”

Kantar explained that 62% of US iPhone 5 sales have come from existing Apple owners upgrading to the new device, although Apple has also benefitted from people switching from Android devices (13%), ditching BlackBerry (6%) and a small number of first time smartphone owners.